Belarus lawmakers have approved a bill introducing penalties for what authorities describe as the “promotion of homosexuality, gender transition, childlessness, and pedophilia”. The legislation passed the upper chamber Thursday after clearing the lower house last month. It now awaits the signature of President Alexander Lukashenko ( Look-aa-shen-ko), who is expected to sign it into law. Under the proposed measures, those accused of “promoting” such ideas could face fines, community service, or up to 15 days of administrative detention. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1994 in Belarus , but it does not recognize same-sex relationships or provide legal protections for LGBTQ+ people.
